Knight's & Magic (ナイツ＆マジック)

We're changing the specs

this close to the deadline?

Huh?

Those morons in sales didn't even ask us!

I've already hit a hundred hours of overtime

and I'm tapped out.

Hell, it's not like we have a choice.

They got us by the balls.

Relax, guys, I've got this covered.

Huh?

How you gonna do that?

Well, they did hire me for my skills as a programmer.

Unfortunately, we don't have enough time

to do the job the right way.

I'll just give it the old college try.

Oh my gosh!

A neutral grade Mephisto Mark Two!

I didn't know it was out!

I can't believe they actually carry the High Divine models

in a place like this! Nice!

I thought I'd be looking for a new job.

Kurata's a freakin' wizard.

If by wizard you mean nerd, then yes.

Yeah, he's a mega otaku.

Apparently, he's filled a room

in his apartment with plastic models.

Like, girly models?

No, like anime giant robots.

I don't care if he's an otaku!

Mr. Kurata's my hero!

His programming's the stuff of legend!

Well, he's a genius.

So, the models I bought today,

the pile I have at home,

and the ones that will come after this.

I'll never get to build them.

This isn't fair!

How is His Highness faring these days, Father?

Well, I hope.

King Ambrosius is as healthy as ever, dear.

Keeping his strength is part of his duty, after all.

The prosperity of our fair Fremmevilla hinges on his might.

And, with the ever-rising threat of demon beasts,

that might will soon be tested.

I think he knows it, too.

He just presented the Knight Runners of Laihiala Academy

with a large sum of money and a rather splendid speech.

It's his way of telling us to raise more Knight Runners,

and do it quickly.

That husband of yours will have his hands full.

There's no need to worry about Mathias, Father.

Perhaps not, but I can't help worrying

about my grandson there.

I can understand that. Ernesti isn't as developed

as the other boys his age. He's small.

But I can't shake the feeling

that he's destined for greatness.

Ah!

Curse your wretched kind!

Ernie, no!

Ernie!

No way. Is that...?

A robot?

Stay back! We'll handle this!

That sounded like Mathias!

Looks like no one's worse for wear.

Yes, thanks to your impeccable timing.

I heard demon beasts were attacking the road.

Sorry, I came as fast as I could.

Ernie! Are you okay?

A real robot!

What's a robot?

Do you mean the Silhouette Knight?

Is that what you call this thing?

Uh-huh. Each one is powered by magic.

Do you like it, my boy?

When you're older, perhaps you could be

a Knight Runner yourself!

Amazing.

So, if I become a Knight Runner,

I can pilot a Silhouette Knight?

You would have to learn magic and swordsmanship.

But, I know you can do it.

I get it. I was reborn into this world for this.

To meet these magnificent robots!

I'll do it! I'll be the best Knight Runner ever!

It is the Occidental Year 1268.

The Kingdom of Fremmevilla is constantly under threat

by roaming demon beasts.

Our story begins near the capital of Kankkunen

in the Academy City of Laihiala,

where young Ernesti starts his journey.

The slow, repetitive training and constant study

that most children would despise was no problem for Ernesti.

Instead, he immersed himself.

For him, every lesson learned was another step

towards piloting a Silhouette Knight.

I'll add emission and enhancement spells

to the basic wind spell structure.

And execute!

I see! Magic works the same way that programs do.

The next three years passed in the blink of an eye.

You're so slow, kid! They're going to find us!

Don't be in such a hurry!

He's supposed to be here in the morning.

I don't want to see him!

But Mom really wants us to meet him. What's up?

He's not my father! And he never will be.

Noble, or not!

But he is a noble. We have to.

Fine, then you can stay here.

Nah. Someone's got to watch you.

Hey! Don't say it like th--

Addy!

You saved me!

You're welcome. My name's Ernesti, by the way.

Wait, you're a boy?

You're lucky I was training here.

Be careful, the rooftops are slippery in the morning. Bye.

Hold on! If it's so dangerous, why are you up here?

Suspicious! Also, I refuse to believe a boy's that cute!

This was Ernesti's first meeting with his

future lifelong friends, Archid and Adeltrud.

You used magic, didn't you?

Do you think you could teach us some, too?

Spell-craft isn't something you can just pick up.

First, you have to develop your mana, or "magic power,"

and that takes lots of training.

I'll do it!

If you're serious about it, I don't mind teaching you,

but it will be tough.

So cute! Listen to you, sounding all reliable!

Mistress! I found them, ma'am! They're on the roof!

--Uh oh. --We'd better go.

See you tomorrow morning?

Sure.

Ernesti's hometown, Laihiala,

had a singular purpose within the Kingdom of Fremmevilla.

To train the Knight Runners,

and produce the Silhouette Knights they would pilot.

Of course, Ernesti's dream was to become a pilot himself.

So, when the time was right, he joined the academy.

In those booklets,

you'll find a comprehensive guide to all of your classes.

Please find the section marked "Elementary School" and--

Fundamentals Silhouette Design? I can't wait to take that class!

Mr. Echevalier.

That course is for middle school students.

For now, we'll be focusing on

the development of your magic power.

I understand that, sir. The thing is,

I want to be a Knight Runner as soon as possible!

Unfortunately, there are two fundamentals you sorely lack.

A complete knowledge of the basics, and stature.

C'mon, Ernie. Try not to let it get to you.

Of course, the seats would be designed

for full-grown adults. I should have realized that.

I need to get big, and fast!

No way! You have to stay cute and small forever!

Unless there's another way.

That's it!

If I can't change myself,

I'll change the Silhouette Knights instead!

What do you mean?

I'll just build one that I can fit in!

--I think he's gone crazy. --Build a Knight?

Of course, why wouldn't I? Customizing's the best part!

Though, if we're talking a redesign from the ground up,

that makes having a complete understanding

of the design principles crucial.

I need to get out of that magic class

and into middle school courses pronto!

Na-na-na-na-naa-naaah!

-- Hurry up, stumpy! -- Come get it!

You'll be sorry when I catch you!

Give it back!

This hammers too good for a dirty dwarf!

It's ours now!

Guess you're out of luck, freak!

Hey, what's going on?

They think that they can get away with picking on me

because my legs are too short to keep up with them.

Those dumb jerks!

I saved up for months to afford that hammer!

They can't have it!

Wait a second!